Your adventure starts with making the right choice. At Advance Insurance, we offer dedicated advice on buying second-hand motorhomes with confidence.
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Starting Your Journey the Right Way
Buying a used motorhome is exciting since you are unlocking freedom to explore anywhere your heart takes you. But investing sometimes tens of thousands in something unfamiliar can feel daunting. That is why we’ve created this motorhome buying guide.
As an independent insurance broker with over 90 years of experience, we see many motorhomes annually. We know what you should check to avoid potentially expensive mistakes.
The Essential Used Motorhome Checklist
A thorough second-hand motorhome inspection can save thousands when buying used motorhomes. Here’s what matters during motorhome viewing.
The Damp Check
Damp is one of the biggest threats to used motorhomes or campervans, and it can cost more to fix than a vehicle’s worth. Make this your top priority. What to look for:
- Musty, stale smell when you step inside
- Water stains or discolouration on walls and ceilings
- Soft spots in wall panels, particularly around windows and corners
- Bubbling or peeling wallpaper and fabrics
- Dark patches on overhead lockers
Pro tip: Buy a simple damp meter before viewing. They detect moisture hiding behind panels you’d never spot otherwise.
Exterior Bodywork and Chassis
The exterior shows how well the motorhome has been maintained. Look for panel delamination, bubbling or separation between layers, which indicates structural problems.
Check for poor repairs or accident damage that’s not immediately obvious. Inspect seals around windows, doors, and rooflights – when seals perish, water gets in and problems start.
Get underneath and check the chassis for rust or corrosion. Surface rust is normal, but structural corrosion could be an issue and expensive. Check tyres for tread depth and age cracks, as some motorhomes can stay unused for long periods.
Interior and Living Systems
Test everything properly. Don’t just take the seller’s word that everything works.
Your testing checklist:
- Test fridge on all power sources – gas, 12V, and 230V
- Check the gas cooker and oven light, and heat properly
- Run the water heater and heating through complete cycles
- Try all taps for pressure and proper drainage
- Use the toilet flush and check that the waste tank works correctly
- Switch on all 12V lighting and electrical systems
Pay attention to water systems. Slow drainage means blocked pipes or tank problems. If the water pump keeps cycling when no taps are running, there are leaks somewhere.
Base Vehicle Mechanics
Driving experience matters as much as living space, especially for longer journeys. During test drives, listen for unusual engine noises and check it tracks straight without pulling.
Heavy motorhomes feel different from cars, but should not feel unsafe. The brakes should feel firm as these vehicles need more stopping distance. Check for smooth gear changes and proper dashboard warning lights at startup.
The Paperwork Trail
Documentation shows the motorhome’s maintenance history. The V5C should match the seller’s details, and the complete service history shows the extent of care.
Find a recent habitation service certificate – like an MOT for the living area, covering gas, electrical, and water systems for safety. Warranty documentation and appliance manuals help you understand what you are buying.
Missing paperwork can indicate poor maintenance or hidden problems.
Protecting Your Investment
Once you have found the ideal motorhome, correct insurance is the next step. Motorhomes are like homes on wheels, packed with expensive equipment and belongings.
Standard car insurance or comparison sites may not always provide the specialist protection motorhomes need.
The Broker Advantage
As independent brokers, we get to know you and your motorhome fully. We then search our insurer panel for policies that fit your needs, so you don’t pay for unnecessary protection or miss essential cover.
Our motorhome viewing tips come from years of helping owners protect vehicles.. We know what questions to ask and which insurers offer the most suitable protection for different motorhomes and usage.
What Our Specialist Motorhome Insurance Covers
Our insurance solutions are designed to provide protection for UK motorhome owners. Our insurers policies typically include:
- UK & European travel cover wherever adventures take you
- Personal belongings cover for clothes, tech, and equipment
- Protection for expensive accessories like awnings
- Breakdown assistance with UK and European roadside help
- Legal expenses support for recovering uninsured losses
- Windscreen cover with quick repairs and no excess
Every motorhome is different, so we tailor policies to your specific vehicle and usage plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special licence to drive a motorhome?
Most motorhomes up to 3,500kg use standard car licences. Heavier ones might need additional categories depending on when you passed your test. We advise on requirements when arranging insurance.
Is my personal stuff covered if stolen from my motorhome?
Our motorhome insurance includes personal belongings protection as standard, though limits vary. We will explain what is included and help increase protection if needed.
Can you insure older or imported motorhomes?
Absolutely. We work with specialists who understand classic and imported motorhomes. Age or origin does not automatically mean expensive insurance; it just needs the right approach.
What’s the difference between motorhome and campervan insurance?
The main differences are size, value, and equipment. Campervan insurance covers smaller, simpler conversions, while motorhome insurance handles larger, complex vehicles with extensive equipment.
Get Specialist Motorhome Insurance and Drive With Confidence
Buying a used motorhome should be exciting, not stressful. Our dedicated UK team provides no-obligation quotes and dedicated advice, so you can focus on planning your first adventure.
Whether buying your first motorhome or upgrading to something special, we’ll help you find the most suitable protection for your investment and lifestyle. Contact us for tailored advice.
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